Creating a Winning Workplace with Michael C. Bush

Willy and Michael explored what separates companies that make the list from those that do not, why trust is the foundation of a strong workplace culture, and why great leadership matters more than perks or benefits alone. They also discussed how investing in people, fostering connection, and using employee feedback can drive long-term performance and business success.

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1. Who is Michael C. Bush?

Michael C. Bush is the CEO of Great Place To Work, where he leads the global authority on workplace culture, trust, and employee experience. He works with over 20,000 companies annually and focuses on helping organizations build high-performing cultures where employees thrive and business results follow.

2. What are the top reasons to listen to this webcast?

• Learn what separates the best workplaces in the world and why leadership, not perks, drives performance.
• Understand how trust, culture, and employee experience directly impact financial results and long-term company success.
• Get practical insights on how leaders can build great workplaces for all employees, not just a select few.

3. What defines a Great Place To Work according to Bush?

The defining factor is leadership that puts people first. Great companies are led by people who believe business success comes through their employees, not instead of them, and who consistently act on that belief.

4. What do the best leaders do differently at top workplaces?

Top leaders stay deeply connected to their people, often traveling extensively to engage with employees directly. They also hold their leadership teams accountable not just for results, but for creating a strong and consistent people experience.

5. Why are benefits and compensation not enough to create a great workplace?

Data shows that perks and total rewards alone do not make a company a great place to work. Instead, employees care most about trust, growth, being known by their manager, and feeling treated fairly.

6. How does trust impact business performance?

Bush notes that trust is the foundation of great workplaces. When employees feel trusted and supported, companies see stronger retention, higher engagement, better customer outcomes, and improved financial performance over time.

7. What role do employee resource groups play in great companies?

Employee resource groups create space for connection, support, and shared experiences. They also contribute to business outcomes like retention, engagement, and performance.

8. How does Great Place To Work ensure the integrity of its rankings?

Bush explains that rankings are based on detailed employee feedback and data analysis, not leadership input. He says the process includes safeguards like anonymous surveys, randomized questions, and demographic comparisons to ensure results reflect the true employee experience.

9. Why is it harder to lead in today’s workplace environment?

Leaders are managing employees influenced by external stress, uncertainty, and constant information from technology. This adds complexity, especially for first-time managers who are still learning how to connect with and guide people effectively.

10. What advice does Bush give to leaders who want to build a great workplace?

He recommends learning directly from CEOs who have built strong cultures and focusing on recognizing and supporting what employees are already doing well. Creating a great workplace is a choice, and it is possible to achieve both strong financial performance and a positive employee experience.